James 3

James 3:1

My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

My brethren, do not ambitiously affect the title of the authors and leaders of factions; drawing disciples after you: neither be ye rigid and uncharitable censurers of others; knowing that this pride and rigour of yours, shall bring upon you the greater condemnation.

James 3:2

For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, &c.

For as we are all apt to offend in our whole carriage, so especially in our tongue: if any man have so much government of himself, therefore, as to rule his tongue, and not to lash out in offensive speeches: it is an argument that that man is every way well ordered, and able to command himself in all his other behaviour.

James 3:5

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

Even so the tongue is a little member, but may justly boast that it is able to do great matters: behold, how great a pile of wood a little fire is able to set in a flame, and to consume unto ashes!

James 3:6

And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body.

Such a fire is the tongue; yea it is, though small, a whole world of iniquity and mischief; neither is there any kind of wickedness, which doth not proceed from thence.

James 3:10

Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

Men are wont to make use of the same tongue, both for the blessing of God in their devotions, and for the cursing of their brethren in their uncharitable speeches and censures: but, my brethren, this ought not to be; neither can these two things stand well together.

James 3:13

Let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

Let him, in his conversation, give clear proof of his good works; not in a rough and sullen austerity and frowardness, but in a wise and discreet meekness.

James 3:14

Glory not, and lie not against the truth.

Never brag vainly that ye are Christians; and do not shame and contradict that truth which ye profess, by a real denial of the profession thereof.

James 3:15

This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

Ye may make a kind of ostentation of wisdom; but I must tell you, this wisdom is not heavenly, but earthly; not spiritual, but sensual; not holy and divine, but devilish.

James 3:18

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

There is a great and near relation, betwixt righteousness and peace; so as they, that are truly desirous to advance peace, are careful of setting forward good works and maintenance of justice; and again, those shall be sure to reap the fruits of righteousness and glory, which have sown the seeds of peace and concord.